Elsa Ruth Stossel, 96, a resident of the Fountains at Millbrook, passed away on December 9, 2025 at her home.

Born in Queens on July 23, 1929, Elsa was the daughter of the late Frank and Berta (Glimpel) Kohl. Elsa was known for her sharp wit, fearless honesty, and her lifelong habit of letting you know - lovingly and directly - when you were being a "pain in the ass." At 96, she still had her eye out for a man, and her signature confidence never faded. She was a true original - loving, funny, and unapologetically herself.

Elsa was a partner at Tracey Real Estate in Mahopac for many years and was well known and deeply involved throughout the local real estate community. After retiring, she spent 30 wonderful years in Vero Beach, Florida, before moving back to New York to be closer to the family she loved so deeply.

A true adventurer at heart, Elsa traveled extensively throughout the United States and around the world with her dearest girlfriends, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Her journeys took her to Alaska, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Thailand, New Zealand, Tanzania, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Spain, and France - and countless places in between. She dog-sledded through Alaska, rode elephants in Thailand, and soared in a hot-air balloon over the Serengeti - where she was affectionately dubbed "Safari Mama" by her guides. Her life was truly full of wonderful and varied experiences.

Elsa loved a hot cup of coffee and was never without a sweet treat - a scone, a pastry, or especially a piece of good chocolate. She adored Kenneth's dog, Willy, and always found the opportunity to sneak him a treat.

After the premature passing of her beloved husband, Louis G. Stossel, in 1969, Elsa single-handedly raised three children with strength, grit, and unconditional love. She was an extraordinary mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose family meant everything to her. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy, and they carry forward her love of adventure, sweet treats, and the good things in life.

Elsa was predeceased by her husband, Louis G. Stossel, and her son, Craig Stossel, who passed in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Laurie Webber and her husband, Thomas, and Kenneth Stossel; her grandchildren, Tommy Webber Jr. and his wife, Kelsey, and Kelly Ram and her husband, Amit; her treasured great-grandchildren, Tommy, Cole, Willow, Orli, Ozzie, and Esti; and her daughter-in-law, Debbie Stossel, and her family.

Well known and deeply beloved throughout the Fountains at Millbrook for her spunk, her honesty, and her "tell-it-like-it-is" spirit, Elsa leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, and adventure.

And in true Elsa fashion, she would want you all to remember: "Don't get old - it sucks."

Services will be private, with burial at Raymond Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the animal rescue organization of your choice.